The oil-cooled, single-cylinder V-Strom SX that exists overseas appears to be coming to Japan. The conventional twin-cylinder V-Strom 250 will also continue to be included in the lineup.
In addition, the Gixxer 250 series and GSX250R, which had been rumored to be discontinued, are reported to be continuing their production. Will Suzuki's 250cc class be enriched and break Honda's stronghold with the imperial Rebel 250?
Written: Best Car Editorial Department
This article was originally published in Best Car Web on October 2, 2022.
- New oil-cooled single crossover to be introduced in Japan by the end of the year?
- Fearless DR-Z style looks with navigation functions. The price is about (approx.) 3420 USD.
- The oil-cooled sports Gixxer 250 was also remodeled around the same time.
- The current two-cylinder model, the V-Strom 250, is also expected to be sold.
- Flagship 1050 and full-fledged DE were also launched in Japan along with Vstrom SX?
New oil-cooled single crossover to be introduced in Japan by the end of the year?
One vehicle that created a lot of buzzes when it was unveiled in India in April 2022 was the V-Strom SX. This model is rumored to make its debut in Japan early next year.
The V-Strom SX is an adventure model based on the Gixxer 250 with a number of exclusive parts. The styling is reminiscent of Suzuki's flagship adventure model, the VStrom 1050, and is powered by a new-generation, lightweight and compact, oil-cooled 250cc single-cylinder.
It is 22 kg lighter than the current VSTROM 250, which is equipped with a liquid-cooled two-cylinder engine.
In addition, the wheels have been changed from 17-inch front and rear to 19-inch front and 17-inch rear, making it a more serious all-purpose model.
The main feature of the engine is the Suzuki Oil Cooling System (SOCS), Suzuki's proprietary oil cooling system. This system cools the engine by circulating engine oil around the combustion chamber at high speed. Compared to a water-cooled unit, the SOCS has a simpler mechanism and is lighter and more compact.
Suzuki's oil-cooled engine has been back for a long time with the 2020 Gixxer 250. For the generation of old men who spent their youth in the 1980s, the oil-cooled engine is a symbol of Suzuki. Although the system is completely different from that of the past, it is still a very appealing mechanism to Suzuki fans.
Moreover, the maximum output is 26.5ps, which is equivalent to a liquid-cooled engine.
This is more powerful than the liquid-cooled two-cylinder engine of the current VSTROM 250, which produces 24ps.
The V-Strom SX is produced in India. It is equipped with a new-generation oil-cooled single-cylinder and is lightweight and slim. It also features a 19-inch front wheel, and its versatility should surpass that of the current VSTROM 250.
The SEP oil-cooled single, inherited from the Gixxer 250, uses a unique SOCS system to cool the cylinder. Since it does not require a water jacket like water-cooled systems, it has the advantage of being lightweight and compact with fewer parts.
The main frame follows the Gixxer but has many specially designed parts. The suspension is a long type, and the swing arm is extended. The part next to the rear wheel is a sari guard unique to India.
Fearless DR-Z style looks with navigation functions. The price is about (approx.) 3420 USD.
Unlike the rounded V-Strom 250 and 650, the design is straight and sharp. This is similar to the Vstrom 1050 series, which was inspired by the legendary DR-Z racers of the 1980s.
The electrical system includes the Suzuki Easy Start System, which allows the vehicle to start with a single push of the gas pedal button, as well as Suzuki Ride Connect, a smartphone-linked function. The Bluetooth connection allows for incoming phone calls and a simple navigation system with arrows to be displayed on the meter. If introduced in Japan, this will be the only 250cc model in Japan with this feature. In addition, a USB charging socket is located on the left side of the meter.
As for Japan models, the Yamaha Cerro 250 will be discontinued in 2020, and Kawasaki's Versys X250 Tourer has just been announced to be finalized with the 2023 model, which will be released this October. This is where the VStrom SX, a versatile crossover with high trail performance, will make its debut.
And I expect the price to be easy to buy.
The local price in India is approximately 2555 USD equivalent. Incidentally, the Gixxer 250 is equivalent to (approx.) 2170 USD in India, while the Japanese version is (approx.) 3065 USD, so the price difference is about 1.41 times higher.
Applying this to the VSTROM SX, the price would be (approx.) 3605 USD.
It displays incoming phone calls and SMS, the battery level of the smartphone, and a simple turn-by-turn navigation system with arrows. Suzuki is also introducing a smartphone integration feature on the Indian version of its 125 scooters.
Compared to the VSTROM 250, which has round eyes and bulbs, the SX has a slanted, atypical shape and LEDs that appear to be derived from the Gixxer 250. The tail light is also LED.
Available in racy Champion Yellow NO2 and city-inspired Glass Sparkle Black.
Pearl Blaze Orange, reminiscent of the DR-Z Racer, is also available. A total of three colors are available.
The oil-cooled sports Gixxer 250 was also remodeled around the same time.
The Gixxer 250 series, the base model of the V-Strom SX, was rumored to be discontinued, but it appears that it will survive.
Both the naked Gixxer 250 and the full-cowl Gixxer SF250, available in Japan, are equipped with oil-cooled single-cylinder engines and will debut in Japan in 2020. They are gaining popularity thanks in part to their affordable price in the (approx.) 2735 USD range.
The current model in Japan is not yet compliant with the 2040 motorcycle emission regulations that will be fully applied from November 1, but the local version in India, the country of production, is compliant with BS6, which is almost the same as the 2040 emission regulations. The local version in India, however, is already compliant with "BS6," which is almost identical to the 2020 emission regulations.
The model change is likely to take place in January or February next year. It will probably take place at the same time as the V-Strom SX.
The sporty Gixxer SF250 has an oil-cooled single that produces 26 hp and a lightweight 158 kg chassis.
Its price of (approx.) 3295 USD is also attractive. Last year, together with the naked Gixxer 250, it was the 7th most popular motorcycle in its class.
The naked version, Gixxer 250, has upright bar handlebars and is 4 kg lighter than the cowl version. Approx. 3060 USD.
The current two-cylinder model, the V-Strom 250, is also expected to be sold.
No official announcement has been made regarding the departure of the current two-cylinder VSTROM 250, and rumors are circulating that its production will be discontinued. This model also does not comply with the 2020 emission regulations that will come into effect on November 1, and if this situation continues, it will not be possible to sell production after November.
This Web site also reported the possibility of the end of production, but according to the latest information, the situation has changed. According to the latest information, however, the VSTROM 250 is expected to comply with emission regulations through a model change and will continue to be sold. In other words, the two-cylinder VSTROM 250 and the single-cylinder VSTROM SX will be sold together.
The GSX250R, equipped with a long-stroke liquid-cooled two-cylinder engine of the same type as the VSTROM 250, also does not comply with the new emission regulations, but has been remodeled in the same manner and is likely to continue to be so.
This is expected to increase Suzuki's 250cc class from the current four models to five. In terms of the number of full-size 250cc models excluding scooters, Suzuki's current five models are on par with Honda, which currently has the largest lineup. Incidentally, Yamaha has two models, and Kawasaki has six if the four models KLX230SM and KLX230S are included.
The most popular model in the 250 class is the Honda Rebel 250, which has been the best-selling model for four consecutive years. In contrast, the VSTROM SX, the only adventure model along with the VSTROM 250 and expected to be affordable, is expected to make a strong charge.
Since its debut in 2017, the VStrom 250 has been a popular and valuable 250 adventure. The long-stroke parallel twin cylinder is tenacious, with characteristics suitable for long runs, and is quite different in character from the SX
Comparing the oil-cooled single-cylinder V-Strom SX and the current water-cooled two-cylinder V-Strom 250.
The SX has superior weight and peak power, and the price looks promising
Flagship 1050 and full-fledged DE were also launched in Japan along with Vstrom SX?
Incidentally, the 1050 series, the flagship of the V-Strom series, has also undergone a model change and will be released in Japan as well as the V-Strom SX.
In September of this year, the Vstrom 1050 for overseas markets underwent a change, and a new grade, the Vstrom 1050DE, was added at the same time.
In addition to a bidirectional quick-shift system that allows shifting up and down without operating the clutch, a new 5-inch large-screen color TFT LCD meter has been adopted. The S.I.R.S (Suzuki Intelligent Ride System) electronic control system, which responds to various driving situations, has enhanced functions.
The new V-Strom 1050DE features a handlebar that is 20 mm wider on each side than the STD version. A special "G" (gravel) mode has been added to the traction control, and ABS on the rear side can now be canceled. And it introduces larger-diameter 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wire-spoke wheels, as opposed to the STD model with 19-inch front and 17-inch rear cast wheels.
All are equipped to increase off-road performance and are expected to have high driving performance.
Strom means torrent in German. Suzuki's V-Strom offensive will create a torrent in the 250cc class as well as in the adventure genre.
The new V-Strom 1050DE grade. It features an off-road mode, 21-inch front, and 17-inch rear spoked wheels, and exclusive dimensions.
The flagship V-Strom 1050 (standard spec) with liquid-cooled 90-degree V-twin. The 2023 model unveiled overseas has a fuller electric brain, and the spoke-wheel XT available on the previous model is no longer available
